McLaren P1 GTR design concept unveiled

Dubai, August 21, 2014

The aggressive racing concept is a preview to the final model which has now entered the next phase as the development team works to hone and further optimise the ultimate track-focused racer.

With a little under a year until production commences, even greater emphasis on aerodynamic performance through the dramatic bodywork is being given. The McLaren P1 GTR will feature race-proven slick tyres, a fixed ride height, enhanced power delivery from the Ipas powertrain and Formula 1-derived DRS from the large, fixed rear wing and an ERS-style push-to-pass system, the company said.

The aerodynamically efficient ‘shrink-wrapped’ body shape, which is wrapped around the carbon fibre monocage chassis behind the front wheels, will offer maximum performance, superior handling characteristics and optimised driver engagement on track by channelling the air from around the wheel well, it said.

The front track of the design concept has been increased by 80mm and is coupled with a more aggressive GT-style front splitter. Re-profiled low temperature radiator ducts seamlessly flow into the leading edge of the aggressively flared front wheel-arches, while the active aerodynamic flaps are retained from the McLaren P1 in the floor ahead of the front wheels.

An additional aerodynamic blade is located behind the wheel-arch to clean the air from the front tyres. This aero device flows seamlessly along the bottom edge of the dihedral doors, along the flank of the carbon fibre bodywork, to an additional side panel at the rear which ducts additional air into the high temperature radiator and improves the aerodynamic performance of the rear floor, a statement said.

The snorkel air intake, inspired by the design of the original McLaren F1, is still present within the roof structure of the chassis. The wing mirrors have been repositioned to the A pillars, to put them closer to the eye line of the driver and reduce aerodynamic drag, while the trailing edge of the door-mounted radiator channels have been extended to draw more air down through the cavity within the door, and into the engine to aid cooling, it said.

A set of lightweight 19-inch motorsport alloy wheels are fitted – 10.5-inches wide at the front, 13-inches at the rear – and are secured into place with quick-release centre locking nuts. Tyre changes are made easier through an on-board air jacking system, similar to that seen on the McLaren 650S GT3 racer.

At the rear, a large, twin-element wing is mounted on dramatic carbon fibre pylons which extend around the rear of the bodywork. This fixed height wing is fitted with a hydraulically operated Drag Reduction System (DRS) to boost acceleration performance, and has been honed to provide increased levels of downforce compared to the road car, working with the active aerodynamic flaps located ahead of the front wheels. The active aerodynamic devices optimise aerodynamic balance through all phases of cornering, the statement said.

The bodywork of the car has been re-profiled to improve aerodynamic efficiency below the large rear wing, and incorporates a quick-release system without affecting the rear wing.

The McLaren P1 GTR driver programme

Launching with the GTR design concept is the bespoke McLaren P1 GTR driver programme – the ultra-exclusive ownership programme which will include specialist driver training, human performance and access to the McLaren racing simulator, and which is designed to prepare each driver mentally and physically to fully exploit the abilities of the GTR, said a statement.

The programme offers unprecedented access to the technologies, resources and people throughout the McLaren Technology Centre. This will include working closely with a support team comprising authentic professionals that have operated within the rarefied world of professional motor sport, it said. - TradeArabia News Service